What Is Muscle Sprain Treatment?
There are times in which you may do something to your body that results in a muscle strain. This is often referred to as a pulled muscle as well. This occurs when you overstretch or tear the muscle. The pain can be minor is that you feel some soreness, or it can be severe where surgery is the only repair. This is a very common injury, especially for those who participate in sports. In many cases, fatigue, not warming up properly or not performing a move properly can lead to this injury.
When this does occur, those who have had this often report feeling a pop or snap in the muscle area. This snap that the person feels is actually the muscle tissue being stretched. It is very painful. In most cease, muscle strains are going to occur in the lower back, the hamstrings, neck and shoulder area.
When looking for treatment for a muscle sprain, there are several option. The treatment is going to dependent upon how bad the muscle strain really is.
More Information
The details posted on this page on muscle sprains and sports injuries is for learning purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage sprains, strains and other muscular injuries enrol in a first aid course with one of our training providers.
Performing Treatment for Muscle Sprains
The good news is that most of these strains are not going to require that you see a doctor. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggest that everyone utilize what they call the RICE method. This is:
- Rest: Give yourself the time to heal, which does mean avoiding activities that are going to involve using the muscle that is strained
- Ice: Ice the damaged muscle for 20 minutes at a time, up to 8 times per day
- Compression: Make sure that the muscle is being compressed so that inflammation and swelling do not affect how you heal. Utilizing a bandage that is made of elastic is often an effective compression tool.
- Elevation: Always keep the injured muscle above your heart to help with swelling. This may mean elevating the limb while you are resting.
Treatment Risks with Muscle Strains
There are not many risks associated with treating a muscle strain. However, there are those small chances of injury with treatment. Especially when taking medication for pain, that can be overdosed on. That is why it is important to follow the dosage instruction. In addition, be sure to utilize a towel or cloth between your skin and where you place the ice pack to avoid any burns.
For those who have to have surgery to treat this, the risks of this include:
- Blood clots
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Stiffness and pain
- A slower healing time
Supplies Needed to Treat a Muscle Strain
In order to treat a muscle strain properly, it will require having the right supplies on hand. These supplies include:
- Ice
- Plastic bag
- Compression bandage
- Towel
- Pillows
- Pain killers
There are other supplies that you may need, depending upon where the strain is located, such as a brace or sling. Though if you treat this strain properly, you will find that the use of crutches, slings, wheelchairs and the like is only going to be temporary.